Evaluation of Nylon Cable Ties as an Alternative Method of Preventive Hemostasis for Bovine Orchiectomy

Abstract

Objective: The castration of male beef cattle is a routine practice in many bovine herds, but this procedure is stressful and affects profitability by reducing average of weight daily gain and increasing susceptibility to diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and security of nylon cable ties of electric usage as an alternative method for hemostasis in bovine orchiectomy. Methods: For the study, 22 animals were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the hemostasis method: Control-Group (CG, n=11) using Chromic Catgut; and Nylon Cable Ties Group (CTG, n=11). For the evaluation of the hemostasis was considered the healing time, incidence of postoperative complications and the results of hematological exams performed on days 0 (D0), 2 (D2) and 7 (D7) from the postoperative period. Results: Differences were not observed when comparing the hematocrit, total protein and plasma fibrinogen of animals castrated with nylon cable ties or Catgut in any of the evaluated moments (P>0.05). CG or CTG animals did not show alterations in any of the hematological variables serially evaluated between the moments D0 and D7 (P>0.05), except for the leukocytes count which presented significant increase, regardless of the experimental group (CG, P=0.0125; CTG, P=0.0080), event related to the transitory inflammatory process as a result of surgical procedure. Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of nylon cable ties represents an economic and effective alternative for hemostasis in bovine orchiectomy.